Sports

Hugo Lloris the hero as Spurs earn a valuable point against Real Madrid

Published

7 years ago

October 18, 2017

Forget Harry Kane for just one moment. After this, the player Tottenham may have to keep out of Real Madrid’s clutches is Hugo Lloris.

Indeed, Real may look to take a job lot having seen the immense potential in this Spurs team. Harry Winks was excellent given the giant responsibility of marshalling midfield and Eric Dier was unexpectedly at home against a terrifying forward line in a back three deployed by Mauricio Pochettino.

The whole defence was superb, in fact, in withstanding the onslaught of the first team to retain the Champions League in the modern era. And even if Kane missed his best chance, one on one, he caused enough panic in Madrid’s back line to get partial credit for the Tottenham goal. Real will be worried about him at Wembley, have no doubt of that.

Yet it would all have come to nought were it not for a man-of-the-match performance by Lloris. Not that Tottenham were pinned back or overwhelmed. He wasn’t Jan Tomaszewski, saving with every part of his body. It wouldn’t have been 10-0 without him.

Yet two or three saves were outstanding — and one stop was exceptional, arguably the save of the season so far. They will remember him here after this — and sometimes, with Real, that can be dangerous. Madrid’s interest in David de Gea is long-standing, so we know they are in the market for a keeper.

And had it been an audition, it really couldn’t have gone better for Lloris, particularly in the second half when Madrid came out with their dander up having equalised just before half time. In a sustained spell, between the 55th and 65th minutes, Lloris made three saves, starting with the best of them all from Karim Benzema.

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It wasn’t the happiest night for Madrid’s striker — he had three decent chances and should have scored from all of them, but at the start of the second half he must have felt his luck had changed.

Casemiro provided the cross and Benzema met it with a header that looked for all the world like the go-ahead goal. Somehow Lloris kept it out. Somehow he was quick and agile enough to block and snatch the roars from the throats of the Madridistas.

He did it again soon after when Winks had lost possession and Madrid fed Cristiano Ronaldo on the break. Lloris was magnificent in keeping his shot out — and again two minutes later when Ronaldo had sped past three.

At times of such intense pressure it is not like Madrid have found a new gear, more like they have been tossed the keys to a whole new car. A Lamborghini, perhaps — or Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.

Yet Lloris stood tall through it all. He made several other fine stops from Isco and Ronaldo and held his nerve despite the frustrated whistles of the locals, taking time out of the game and allowing Pochettino’s team to maintain their composure while earning an incredibly gutsy point.

Late in the day, as Madrid sent in a corner, Lloris came from his line, rose imperiously and plucked the ball out of the air. He looked at home here, it has to be said.

As did Tottenham. Remarkably, considering their struggles in this competition last season, they lead Group H having played Madrid away. They also enjoy a six-point cushion over Borussia Dortmund, the club it was felt they would wrestle for second place.

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A world of possibilities is opening up — including one in which they achieve the much-needed landmark result at Wembley, the one that changes the narrative at their temporary home.

Imagine if they defeated Real Madrid there. After this, it is not unthinkable. This was not Kane’s best performance, but he frightens Madrid. Maybe their attempts at flattery — interpreted as the seeds of an attempted courtship — have built up Kane’s prowess in the minds of Madrid’s defenders.

Tottenham went ahead because Madrid were frit by him. The goal came after 28 minutes, Tottenham growing into the game following an early scare when Ronaldo hit a post and Benzema squandered the rebound with the goal begging. Gradually, though, Tottenham gained composure and began to threaten.

Kane had a header well saved by Keylor Navas and Fernando Llorente had a shout for a penalty rejected, after his standing leg was taken by Casemiro. In front of the most vocal sector of the Bernabeu, it would have been a bold call by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, and he wasn’t about to do anything silly like that.

So, Tottenham had to make their own luck and from their next foray into the box, they did. Serge Aurier made excellent ground on the right and whipped in a lovely ball which Kane tried to flick into Navas’s goal with his heel. He missed, but sufficiently worried Raphael Varane that the defender stabbed at a clearance and, in doing so, put the ball into his own net.

Sadly, as wonderful as Aurier is going forward, he can be a liability in defence. In the 42nd minute, his clumsy challenge gave referee Marciniak the chance to award the type of penalty that never spells controversy at the Bernabeu — a penalty to Real Madrid.

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As the professionals say, Aurier went to ground too early and in a place that invited trouble. In doing so, he took Toni Kroos with him and Marciniak did not pass up the opportunity to be popular. He pointed to the spot and Ronaldo finished emphatically.

Having survived another onslaught, Tottenham could have nicked it. On 71 minutes, Llorente put Kane in with only Navas to beat, but the keeper diverted his shot round a post. Kane will have been disappointed not to score, but knowing what a goal would have done to his stock here, maybe for Spurs fans it was for the best.

It was still very good. When Madrid come to Wembley, they will know they are not just facing a Harry Kane team, but a group who continue to grow in stature.

Sports

Madrid’s Joselu spurs incredible comeback against Bayern to reach champions league final

Published

1 week ago

May 9, 2024

AFP

Real Madrid’s Spanish forward #14 Joselu celebrates scoring during the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)

Real Madrid produced a spectacular comeback against Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League final with Joselu striking twice late on, earning them a 2-1 win on Wednesday to progress 4-3 on aggregate.

Alphonso Davies smashed the visiting German giants ahead in the second half but record 14-time winners Madrid produced a sensational comeback with Joselu netting in the 88th and 91st minutes.

Bayern Munich’s Canadian midfielder #19 Alphonso Davies scores his team’s first goal in spite of Real Madrid’s Ukrainian goalkeeper #13 Andriy Lunin during the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

Spanish champions Real Madrid face another German side, Borussia Dortmund, in the Wembley final on June 1, after they stunned the team they call their “black beast”.

Squad player Joselu, on as a late substitute, wrote his name in Madrid’s history books with his last-gasp brace.

Bayern Munich’s English forward #09 Harry Kane reacts to their defeat after the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

“There have been a lot of times we have looked dead and buried, but we have that mentality of never say die,” said Real midfielder Jude Bellingham.

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“Joselu deserves it all, he has been an amazing squad member this season.”

Madrid had enjoyed the better of the match but it seemed Davies’ superb strike had set up a repeat of the 2013 all-German final in London.

Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel made three changes from the first leg, benching veteran Thomas Mueller and Leon Goretzka.

Dani Carvajal started for Madrid after missing the first leg suspended and was heavily involved as the hosts dominated the opening stages.

Real Madrid players celebrate their second goal scored by Real Madrid’s Spanish forward #14 Joselu during the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 8, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

Rodrygo Goes was inches away from converting Carvajal’s low cross and the Spain defender then cleverly set up Vinicius Junior with a pass nutmegging a defender, and Manuel Neuer tipped the Brazilian’s shot against the post.

The rebound fell to Rodrygo but his effort was weak and with a desperate arm Neuer was able to claw it out to complete a fine double save.

Bayern’s Serge Gnabry limped off injured with Davies replacing him before Harry Kane’s first flash of danger.

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Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was alert to push the England captain’s vicious long-range volley around the post.

Neuer palmed away a Vinicius free-kick as the teams ended a high-intensity, relentlessly frantic first half level.

The second period was just as fraught, with Davies’ cross deflecting onto the roof of Lunin’s goal.

Vinicius was unplayable down Madrid’s left and Rodrygo prodded his low cross agonisingly wide of the far post.

The 38-year-old Neuer made superb saves to deny both Brazilian forwards again before the hour mark as Madrid controlled the game and ratcheted up the pressure.

However just as in Munich, when Los Blancos were at their strongest, Bayern pounced.

Kane fed Davies and the Canada international cut inside from the left and smashed a shot beyond Lunin into the far top corner after 68 minutes.

Madrid thought they had levelled moments later through Nacho but after a VAR review the strike was ruled out as the defender had grabbed Joshua Kimmich’s face before shooting.

Tuchel took off Kane in the final stages to try and hold on to victory but it slipped through his fingers as Madrid produced more indelible European memories.

Neuer, who had been sublime to this point, fumbled what appeared a simple Vinicius strike and Joselu gratefully bundled home from close range.

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With Bayern reeling Madrid struck again, decisively. It was Joselu once more, the striker on loan from second division side Espanyol, turning home after Antonio Rudiger cut the ball back to him.

The goal was ruled offside but officials overturned the decision after review, and after nearly 15 minutes of stoppage time, Madrid earned the chance to go for their 15th Champions League trophy.

Sports

Osimhen Crowned 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year

Published

5 months ago

December 12, 2023

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osimhencafawards2023 1 MegaIcon Magazine

Victor Osimhen has been named the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, cementing his status as one of the world’s top players.

Osimhen surpassed competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah for the prestigious award.

The Super Eagles forward concluded a remarkable year in the imperial Moroccan city of Marakesh, ending Nigeria’s 24-year wait for Africa’s top individual prize, last won by legendary Kanu Nwankwo in 1999.

During the event, Osimhen expressed gratitude, acknowledging the impact of Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached him at the U-17 level, and the support from fans and fellow players.

“It’s a dream come true for me. I want to thank everyone who has seen me through life’s journey, in achieving my dreams and goals. I appreciate Nigerians and Africa for their unwavering support and encouragement,” he said.

Osimhen recognised the influence of Emmanuel Adebayo, Solomon Kalu, and other African legends, expressing gratitude to his role model, Didier Drogba.

The award reflects Osimhen’s outstanding performances with Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in their Serie A title run, scoring 26 league goals and becoming the first African to win the top scorer award, breaking George Weah’s record in the Italian top-flight.”

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Sports

Lionel Messi Secures Historic 8th Ballon d’Or Triumph

Published

7 months ago

October 31, 2023

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Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine football icon, clinched the coveted 2023 Ballon d’Or, setting a new record for the 2022 World Cup champion.

In a glamorous event held in Paris, Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami, received the prestigious award on Monday night. This achievement is widely seen as a well-deserved recognition for his pivotal role in guiding the Abiscelete to World Cup victory in the previous year.

Aged 36, Messi succeeded Karim Benzema as the recipient of this award, which acknowledges his exceptional performances during the last season when he inspired Argentina to triumph at the World Cup.

His remarkable displays in Qatar, where he led his nation to a historic victory, enabled him to surpass strong competition, notably from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Haaland secured the second spot in the final voting, with Mbappe finishing third and Kevin De Bruyne taking fourth place.

Messi, a former Barcelona superstar, left an indelible mark at the World Cup, scoring seven crucial goals. His exceptional performance led to him being named the tournament’s best player, especially after Argentina’s victory over France in the final.

While Messi’s World Cup heroics were undeniable, his final season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was relatively lackluster. Subsequently, he made a move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

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His former PSG teammate, Mbappe, made a strong case for the Ballon d’Or with his outstanding World Cup performance, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, including a memorable hat-trick in the final for France.

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland had a remarkable season, scoring an incredible 52 goals in 53 games for Manchester City. This stellar performance played a pivotal role in helping Pep Guardiola’s team secure a historic treble in the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

Both Haaland and De Bruyne were nominated for the Ballon d’Or from their exceptional contributions to the success of Manchester City.